The Newport-Gwent Dragons have signed the Wales back-row forward Robin Sowden-Taylor, who was released by the Cardiff Blues this summer, on a two-year contract.

Sowden-Taylor will compete with Gavin Thomas for the openside shirt at Rodney Parade after ending his seven-year spell with the Blues. The 28-year-old, who was part of Wales's Six Nations grand slam winning squad of 2005, has been capped eight times. He last played for Wales against the USA in June 2009.

"The main reason for my move was to get regular rugby," said Sowden-Taylor. "That's something I struggled with a bit at Cardiff and I don't think I have been able to reach my full potential. With a World Cup coming up I really think I can push for a place in the squad."

Last week the Dragons signed Scott Morgan, a back-five forward also released by the Blues. The Wales and Lions flanker Andy Powell also left the City of Cardiff Stadium this summer. He has signed for Wasps.